| Nesebar |
 |
 |
 |
Nesebar It’s not the delightfully animated nightlife of Nesebar that has earned it its enviable distinction of UNESCO World Heritage site. Rather, it’s the jam-packed collection of ancient ruins that are not only impressive for their age, but jaw-dropping in their beauty as well.
Once a Greek colony, Nesebar is full of notably Greek as the Mediterranean landscape and crumbling stone ruins mix with the sea air and an indescribable ambience of legendary sophistication – except here you can avoid the hordes of tourists. Indeed, while travelers throng to Bulgaria’s southerly neighbor, Nesebar remains relatively peaceful and pleasant, although I’d be remiss in not mentioning how a growing number of savvy tourists and European backpackers are catching wind of the cheaper splendor that Bulgaria provides.
As a focal point in the crusades (among many vibrant, historical epochs) Nesebar is home to an extraordinarily long list of churches. The eleventh century Church of John the Baptist resembles a stone fortress although the inside is definitely worth checking out. The Church of St John Aliturgetos dates back to the fourteenth century, when more ornate facades must have been in vogue; don’t miss this one, it’s ruddy brick and adobe white patterned exterior, cut with an infinite series of mini-arches, provides a strange and compelling juxtaposition to the savage shrubbery growing out from the roof. Even wilder is the Church of Christ Pantocrator from the previous century, whose dark mossy stonework almost feels as if it would be better placed within the overgrown jungle shrubbery of a King Kong set. Quaint wooden houses from the more recent era are also a major attraction in Nesebar, as are the stone ruins of the Basilica of Holy Mother Eleusa.
But despite the amazing historical relics at every turn, Nesebar is far than a city-museum. This town is alive, infused with vital energy of youth, visitors and local lovers of life who pack the towns bars, nightclubs and discos throughout the week during the summer high season. Be sure to watch the famous pink-orange sunset from the Tequila Bar, while sipping on an ice-cold daiquiri.
Book ahead and make sure to get a centrally located hotel in Nesebar, as it’s a wise idea to have a home base from which to hit the bars as well as the sites and attractions.
|
General Information
Gastronomy
Sightseeing
Culture
Weather